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STUDENTHANDBOOK

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Student Handbook 2021-2022

Copyright © 2020 by Postgraduate Institute of Management

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior permission of the publisher of this book.

National Library of Sri LankaCataloguing-in-Publication-data

Includes indexISSN 2651-0499

Published by:

Postgraduate Institute of Management28, Lesley Ranagala MawathaColombo 8, Sri LankaTel: +94 11 2 689 639Fax: +94 11 2 689 643Web: www.pim.sjp.ac.lkEmail: admin@pim.sjp.ac.lk

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CONTENTS

Preface iv

1. The Institute 01

2. Administrative and Academic Services to Students 06

3. Academic Policies, Procedures and Standards 09

4. Research Requirements 26

5. Examinations 29

6. Library and Information Services Division 37

7. IT Centre 41

8. Publications Division 42

9. Executive Development Programmes (EDP) Division 43

10. PIM Research Centre 44

11. PIM Business Incubator: GENESIS 47

12. PIM Learning Portal (Prajna) 48

13. Your Responsibilities as a Student 50

14. Graduation Requirements 54

15. PIMA-PIM Alumni Association 56

16. PIM Anthem 57

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Preface

Welcome to the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM). We sincerely wish that the time you spend with the Institute will be rewarding and life-changing.

This handbook is designed to help you become familiar with the activities of the PIM. When you register as a student at the PIM, you become entitled to use the facilities and services that the Institute provides, as well as agree to abide by its rules and regulations. This handbook provides you with a comprehensive guide to PIM’s services and facilities and to the regulations that you have agreed to abide by.

It is vital that you carefully read this handbook, and become familiar with its content. As it is not possible to make the Student Handbook contain everything of relevance to you, it is expected that you would be familiar with the other policies, procedures, instructions and guidelines, etc. issued by the Institute from time to time.

Prof. Ajantha S. DharmasiriDirectorDecember 01, 2020

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The Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) is a semi-autonomous body affiliated to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Its objectives are to promote advanced education and professionalism in management in Sri Lanka through the provision of postgraduate instruction, training, research, and development in the different branches of management and administrative studies. Today, PIM caters not only to the national interests of professional management education and training on a wide scale, but also in South Asia and Middle East, providing wide and challenging opportunities for learning and skills development to thousands of senior-level managers in the private and public sectors. Being the pioneer of advanced management education in Sri Lanka, PIM provides leadership to those who are in the business of innovating and disseminating management know-how as well as to those who are in search of higher academic and professional alternatives.

PIM, established in 1986 by Ordinance under Universities Act 16 of 1978, is one of the eight postgraduate institutes in the university system of Sri Lanka. It has now reached the desired maturity with three decades of excellence and has been able to take into its fold the largest student population among the Institutes. Another unique feature is that it is the only self-financing higher learning institution in the university system of the country.

The history of the Institute goes back to 1981 when a Division of Postgraduate Studies was set up at the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The Division commenced postgraduate studies in management with collaboration under the Canadian International Development Agency with two Canadian Universities – Ottawa University and Carleton University. In 1986, the Division was upgraded to a separate institute

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under the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The Institute was relocated at the new building in 1995, constructed at No. 28, Lesley Ranagala Mawatha, Borella.

PIM VisionTo become a centre for management excellence in South Asia.

PIM MissionWe ignite human imagination by developing leaders having global presence with local pulse.

In this endeavour, we pursue innovative teaching, cutting-edge research, enriching partnerships, inspiring sustainability and exemplary governance.

PIM ValuesPassion

Enthusiasm and eagerness towards results in showing professionalism in actions.

Key Behavioural Indicators (KBIs) § Is clear about the tasks associated with the job.§ Is enthusiastic in handling tasks.§ Thinks innovatively in finding new solutions. § Is conscious about one’s contribution to the institutional success. § Willing to put extra effort to achieve objectives.

Integrity

Acting in an ethical manner with the best interest of the institution in mind.

Key Behavioural Indicators (KBIs) § Is honest in conducting oneself.§Can be trusted in handling confidential matters.§Conducts oneself fully within the rules and regulations of the institution.§Cannot be manipulated for unethical actions.§Keeps the institution’s needs ahead of one’s interests.

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Mindfulness

Paying attention to purpose and actions in doing things with self-awareness.

Key Behavioural Indicators (KBIs) § Pays attention to detail.§Is aware of the needed actions in any given moment.§Looks at situations unbiased with an open mind.§Has complete focus on tasks at hand.§Is efficient in utilizing time.

Overall Approach

Our Edifice of Excellence

We use our Quality Management System (QMS) as a tracking mechanism of our progress.

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PIM GoalsPIM’s five goals for the next five years are as follows:

Goal One: To enhance the scope of PIM academic programmes;

Goal Two: To enhance the scope of PIM research and publications;

Goal Three: To foster partnerships with industry, universities and professional associations;

Goal Four: To develop ICT and ensure green infrastructure facilities to offer a conducive learning environment, and

Goal Five: Ensure revenue growth inclusive of foreign income with financial and administration compliance.

Accordingly 20 Strategic Objectives have been formulated.

PIM Quality PolicyAs a pre-eminent postgraduate institution in Sri Lanka, driven by the pursuit of knowledge and innovation, with a unique institutional culture based upon the values the institution espouses, the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) is committed to pursue global standards of excellence in all its endeavors, namely, teaching, research, consultancy and continuing education, and to remain accountable in all its core and support functions, through a process of research, review, evaluation and continuous improvement at all times.

The PIM is committed to;

§ enhance quality and scope of our academic programmes,

§ enhance strategic international relationships through its research and development, and excel in research and publications,

§ foster partnerships with industry, universities and professional associations,

§ develop a skilled and customer-focused staff and faculty by providing training, and other support facilities,

§ enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the Institute’s administrative, operational and financial processes,

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§ continual improvement of the quality management system,

§ promote corporate social responsibility as an integral component of linking its activities with the society,

§ comply with applicable statutory, regulatory and other requirements, and

§ Communicate the Quality Policy, among the stakeholders, and it shall

(a) be maintained as documented information

(b) be available to relevant parties as appropriate, and

(c) be shared, understood and applied within the organization.

AACSBPIM is a Member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It is the longest serving global association dedicated to advancing management education worldwide. The AACSB has accredited 796 of the world’s best Business Schools across 52 countries and territories. The PIM is in the process of obtaining the prestigious accreditation by the AACSB.

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Academic Direction

Subject to the governing authority of the University Senate and the Council, the Board of Study and the Board of Management of the Institute provide academic direction to the PIM’s programmes of study and research.

For this purpose there are four Boards of Study, namely: Business Administration, Public Administration, Banking and Finance and Management of Information and Technology, appointed by the Board of Management, to regulate matters related to teaching, and research.

Herein the main criteria are promotion of institutional good governance and their performance, which will ultimately impact on the country’s overall socio-economic development and progress.

General Administration

Director Strategic direction, academic direction and guidance; overall institutional development and performance planning.

Head of Academic Affairs (HAA)

Academic programmes, structure/design, content of the programmes, quality, examination papers, assignments and the AACSB Accreditation process.

Senior Assistant Registrar (SAR)

Academic administration, student affairs, admissions, examinations, results, course evaluations, certificates, issuance of transcripts, time tables, general administrative matters including security, parking and cafeteria and students’ appeals.

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Deputy Bursar (DB)

Cashiering, billing, collection, donations, student account services and refund functions of the Institute; maintaining all accounts on receipts and disbursements; and administering of procurement functions, and all other matters relating to the Institute’s finance and cash-flow.

Mentors Academic advice, including selection of courses, texts and readings, will be given by individual faculty members in charge of courses of study, and by faculty mentors appointed for a particular group of students.

IT Centre IT practicals, internet, e-mail, local area network, print outs, Skype, video conferencing and M-Learning.

Library All Library functions and services, internet and video library. The library is open from morning till late evening, everyday and during weekends and public holidays. Hours of opening are specified in Chapter 6.

Car Park Ample parking facilities to accommodate 300 cars at a time. However, in the evenings and weekends when the majority of students attend lectures, the security staff has been instructed to direct the parking of vehicles adjacent to each other, in order to provide parking facilities to all students within the PIM premises. It may, therefore, not be possible for students to move their vehicles until the end of the day’s lectures. Any student who wishes to leave early is requested to park his/her vehicle outside the PIM premises. Requests to make announcements in classes while lectures are being conducted will not be accommodated.

PT Centre The Physical Training Centre is open daily from 0600h to 2300h. Students who wish to use this facility are required to obtain their membership card from the PIM office complementary. It is also necessary to fall in line with the administrative procedure introduced by the Institute on the use of facilities of the PT Centre.

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Cafeteria All endeavours are made to provide quality food and a courteous service to students. Hence, while cooperating with the cafeteria staff, students should maintain orderliness and cleanliness. Complaints, if any, should be brought to the notice of the Senior Assistant Registrar. The Cafeteria is open for students from 0730h to 1930h on weekdays and from 0730h to 1600h on week-ends and public holidays.

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1. Registration

Every student must register at the Institute on an annual basis. Students who are continuing their studies at the Institute should also register annually, and have their records updated. In case of loss of student identity card students should pay a replacement cost. The replacement cost of a student ID at present is Rs. 500.

2. Programme Duration

The normal periods of study (effective from the day of registration) for different programmes of study are:

Ph.D. 4 yearsMBA 2 yearsMPA 2 yearsEMBA 1 yearPostgraduate Diploma 1 Year

3. Programme Extension

Under circumstances acceptable to the Board of Study concerned, a student may, upon request, be granted registration beyond the normal period of study stipulated for the programme.

Students receiving extensions must pay a programme fee for the period of extension. This fee will be calculated, based on

a) The number of months extended against the normal programme period on a pro-rata basis, or

b) The fee for the courses taken during the extended period will be arrived at by dividing the fee for the applicable total programme by the total number of programme credits for the Postgraduate Diploma or

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the Master’s Degree, as the case may be, and re-dividing the resultant sum by 4.

Further, if a student takes more than 02 years to complete the programme, he/she has to follow the rules of the current year for the Final Project as the PIM keeps on improving the standard each year. For instance, a student who enrolls in 2021, has to complete the final project by Dec 2022. However, if he/she intends to do the final project in 2024 for whatever reasons, he/she has to follow the given process, and the procedure laid down for the year 2024 and not the procedure laid down for the year 2022.

3. Course Registration

Students must also register themselves separately for the required and elective courses and for the research component of the programme. In general, a student who is employed will not be allowed to take more than three courses per term. However, those students who are not employed or have obtained study leave may be allowed to take up to five courses per term, if offered. Registration for elective courses will be on a first come first served basis.

4. Audit

Under special circumstances, a student may be allowed to audit a course (i.e. register and follow a course without claiming credit) with the permission of the Director, and the particular course instructor.

5. Cancellation of Registration

The university registration of the students who are unable to complete the postgraduate degree requirements within the stipulated period of time will be deemed to have got their registration automatically cancelled. The stipulated maximum period allocated for the Master’s Degree Programmes is 5 (five) years, which will be reckoned from the date of first registration for the programme. The stipulated maximum period allocated for the Doctoral Programmes is 8 (eight) years, which will also be reckoned from the date of first registration for the programme.

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6. Commitment

The programmes of study involve not only lectures and examinations, but also extensive reading, case studies, discussions, individual and group projects, assignments and presentations. All these demand time and effort, and call for a high level of commitment and perseverance from students. Only such committed candidates are likely to succeed in the PIM’s study programmes.

7. Academic Terms

The courses at the PIM are normally conducted on a Term basis. The duration of a course is 10 weeks, during which 30 session-hours are provided per course. Since a substantial percentage of work in each of the programmes involves group work and classroom discussions, students are advised to be regular in attending academic sessions.

There are four Academic Terms per year:

Term I : January-MarchTerm II : April-JuneTerm III : July-SeptemberTerm IV : October-December

Academic terms may slightly vary for programmes such as EMBA, MBA in Taxation, MBA in Customs and International Trade, MPA in Education Management depending on the requirements and the circumstances.

8. Time Tables

Credit courses are conducted on a Term basis, each of 10 weeks’ duration. Time tables for sessions vary according to whether the programme is full-time, part-time or evening/weekend. The time for evening sessions is from 17:45h to 20:45h on weekdays. Weekend classes (03 sessions) will be held from 8:00h to 17:00h.

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9. Mitigating Circumstances (Absence from examinations/non-submission of assignments)

If a student is absent from a course examination or test or he/she is unable to submit term papers, assignments, etc., on time, without prior approval being obtained, no marks will be awarded to the student with respect to that component of evaluation in the Course.

The PIM considers only the following scenarios as mitigating circumstances.

§ If the student is sick (where he/she has to submit a Medical Certificate).

§Bereavement of an immediate family member (parent of the student, or spouse, child, brother/sister or in-laws only).

§If an immediate family member is undergoing a major surgery (documentary evidence required). Immediate member means, parent/s of the student, child, or spouse, or own brother/sister only).

§If the student has to go overseas due to an official assignment (documentary evidence is required from the employer).

§Student’s wedding.

However, in the case of illness (medically certified), or any other extreme circumstance (duly notified to the Senior Assistant Registrar with a copy to the instructor concerned) the student may sit a supplementary examination/comply with the term paper/assignment or other requirements of the course. The student shall make an application to the Senior Assistant Registrar for a supplementary examination, provided the following conditions are met:

§ An overall attendance rate of 80% of sessions,

§ A valid reason as stated above supported by acceptable documentary evidence,

§ Inability to attend the examination is intimated to the Senior Assistant Registrar at least two days prior to the examination,

§ An additional payment of Rs. 3,000/- is made for the supplementary examination.

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10. Repeating a Course

Due to mitigating circumstances, if a student is unable to complete a course unit with his/her batch, he/she may complete that course unit at the next available opportunity, provided that course is offered again to a different batch. A payment of Rs. 3,000 needs to be made along with the course registration application for this requirement. Unable to complete a course beyond mitigating circumstances, would be considered as a failure on the first attempt.

11. Repeating an Examination

Due to mitigating circumstances if a student is unable to attend an examination, he/she is required to complete the relevant examination at the next available opportunity. A payment of Rs. 3,000 needs to be made along with the supplementary examination application for this requirement.

12. Repeating an Examination due to Failure to Obtain the Required Pass Mark

If a student is unable to obtain the required pass mark at an examination, he/she is required to repeat the relevant examination at the next available opportunity. A payment of Rs. 3,000 needs to be made along with the repeat examination application for this requirement. Even if the student scores high marks in the second attempt, the final marks for the examination will be capped at 60, and the student will not be entitled for a Merit Pass at the postgraduate degree.

13. Re-submission of an Assignment

If a student is unable to submit an assignment due to mitigating circumstances, he/she is required to re-submit the assignment for the relevant course at the next available opportunity. A payment of Rs. 3,000 needs to be made along with the assignment re-submission application for this requirement.

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14. Re-submission of an Assignment due to High Turnitin in Similarity Index

a) If an assignment submitted by a student is rejected due to high Turnitin Similarity Index, he/she is required to re-submit the assignment for the relevant course at the next available opportunity. A payment of Rs. 3,000 needs to be made along with the assignment resubmission application for this requirement. Even if the student scores high marks in the second attempt, the final marks for the assignment will be capped at 60.

b) As detailed in 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 clauses above “The next available opportunity” means, most probably when the course is offered again in the following year. However, under exceptional circumstances, if there are more than 10 students failing an exam or need to re-submit an assignment, the Institute may consider conducting an exam or providing a fresh assignment to accommodate such students without waiting for a year. However, this purely depends on the discretion of the Institute.

Repeating an examination or an assignment with the intention of improving the grading is not permitted.

15. Qualifying to sit a course examination

In order to qualify for Course Examinations, candidates must have a satisfactory level of class attendance. A student is required to record at least 80% attendance of the number of sessions conducted in each course. In calculating a student’s attendance record in a course, prior notification given and/or medical certificates or under mitigating circumstances, submitted by the student indicating his/her inability to attend academic sessions will be taken into consideration. However, if a student’s attendance falls below 50% for a particular course, he/she will not be allowed to sit the final examination of that course, despite his/her ability to produce acceptable evidence of being ill or being out of the country. This means that even with the above mitigation circumstances, the student has to maintain a minimum of 50% attendance for every course. If the attendance is below 50%, he/she has to re-do the entire course, including the assignments.

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The class participation rate of the students can be viewed on an on-going basis by the students visiting the PIM learning portal. It is the responsibly of the student to check his/her eligibility to sit the examinations after checking the attendance rate at the end of each term.

16. Assignments

Students must submit their term papers/individual assignments/group assignments (hereinafter referred to as assignments) for courses online on or before due dates via the PIM Student Learning Portal “Prajna”. The Turnitin software will screen students’ assignments uploaded to the “Prajna” Portal against all accepted sources is to ensure quality and standards as well as to avoid plagiarism with regard to the contents of the assignments. Hard copies will not be accepted unless otherwise specifically stated by the SAR.

Students must note the following important points when submitting their assignments online through Turnitin:

a) Note carefully the due date of the particular assignment indicated in the course outline.

b) Upload your assignment in time (without waiting till the last moment) as the Turnitin takes some time (about 20-30 minutes) to generate the Similarity Index Report (SIR). The SIR provides a summary of matching similar areas of text found in a paper. The Similarity Index has to be less than 30%. If the Similarity index is between 31-35%, a penalty of 5% and if the similarity index is between 36-40%, a penalty of 10% from the marks allocated will be deducted. All assignments more than 40% similarity index will be given a flat rate of 20% from the marks allocated for that assignment as a penalty.

c) Only one opportunity is given in the system to upload your assignment. Your first upload to Turnitin is the final upload. You should never upload your assignment to any other Turnitin account to check the similarity index before uploading to the “Prajna” Portal. This will result in a 100% similarity index owing to Turnitin checking against your own external submission. This includes other software used

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through “open sources” as well. Moreover, make sure that you upload your assignment under the appropriate course indicating the code number properly and methodically.

d) Late assignments will not be entertained. If accepted in consideration of unavoidable or mitigating circumstances, there shall be prior understanding of such delays, and all late assignments, subject to a maximum delay of 10 days from the due date, shall carry a penalty (typically, a reduction of 10% of marks allocated to that assignment.)

e) Students are cautioned that any particular assignment that will be indiscreetly uploaded to an incorrect course page of the portal will not be considered for evaluation and marking. In such instances such students will be required to register for the course at the next available opportunity, and submit the assignment in order to complete the relevant course unit.

f) All assignment dates are stated in the course outline, and the students should obtain the prior approval of the Head of Academic Affairs to change/extend the dates for an assignment as changing a date for a particular assignment would have a ripple effect on other assignments. However, no assignment-date can be extended beyond the date of the final examination.

g) Students are expected to visit databases such as Emerald and Ebscohost to generate/review journal articles before incorporating them, and to add value to their assignments. Students can contact the IT Centre in the event of facing any technical issue.

h) The PIM as a policy takes cognizance of the Similarity Index that appears in the portal, at the time of the closure of the assignment.

“I am fully aware of the content under “plagiarism” stated in Chapter 5 of the PIM student handbook, and I hereby declare and affirm that I have strictly observed the law relating to intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism in this exercise.”

Name:Registration No:Date:Signature:

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With regard to assignments that need to be uploaded to the “Prajna” portal as a soft copy, a scanned signature essential.

17. Academic Progress

Students must obtain a minimum of Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4 or above at the end of Year 2 for graduating with an MBA/MPA degree.

Failure to maintain the required level of performance will result in the transfer of a student from the Master’s Degree Programme to the Postgraduate Diploma level.

At the stage of the final assessment of a student’s performance for the purpose of determining the overall performance of the student, the Board of Examiners may add, at its discretion, compensatory marks up to a total of 15 per student, only for the following purpose:

To upgrade the marks of not more than two courses from a marginal failure to a pass (by distributing the 15 marks).

In the adoption of this discretion, the Board of Examiners will consider the pattern of student performance, strengths of the student, time taken to complete the programme, class attendance and timely completion of study requirements of courses, and records of conduct and discipline.

Students may obtain their records of academic performance in each of the terms from the PIM Learning Portal “Prajna”.

18. Credit Requirements

A two-credit course which is 30 session hours, is conducted over a period of 10 weeks, and a student will complete three such credit courses in a typical term. Each course will have its own scheme of evaluation, including skills and research-based assignments and group work, and a final course examination. Time tables for sessions vary according to whether the programme is full-time, part-time or evening/weekend. However, students are expected to spend a similar amount of hours for self-studies for each course, in addition to the class sessions/discussions and group work etc.

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The credit structure of the MBA Programme under different research options are as follows:

MBA with Research Component:

Course Type No. of CreditsRequired Core Courses (18) 36Elective Courses (03) 06Integrative Course in Management 03Management Research/Skills/Case Study/Entrepreneurship Skills/Industry Survey Project

15

Total 60

MBA with Management Research Thesis (MRT) Component:

Course Type No. of CreditsRequired Core Courses (18) 36Elective Courses (02) 04Management Research Thesis 20Total 60

MBA with Management Field Project (MFP) Component:Course Type No. of CreditsRequired Core Courses (18) 36Elective Courses (04) 08Integrative Course in Management 03Management Field Project Report or

13Management Field Project Report (Industry Survey Option)Total 60

The credit requirement of the MPA Programme is as follows:Course Type No. of CreditsPreparatory Courses (03) 06Required Core Courses (15) 30Elective Courses (03) 03Integrative Course in Management 06Management Skills Project/Management Policy Paper 15Total 60

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The credit requirement of the Ph.D. Programme is as follows:Course Type No. of CreditsDBA 5102 Sociology of Knowledge 02DBA 5202 Theoretical Approaches to Management 02DBA 5304 Research Methods in Management 04DBA 5402 Conceptual/Theoretical or Empirical Paper 02DBA 5590 Thesis 90Total 100

19. Grading System

The grading system currently applicable is as follows:

Marking Scale Grade Point Scale0 - 59 F 060 - 65 C 266 - 70 C+ 371 - 75 B 476 - 80 B+ 581 - 85 A- 686 - 90 A 791 - 100 A+ 9

In order to obtain a pass grade for a course unit, a student must meet the following 3 requirements:

a) The total marks of a course unit should be 60 or above.

b) Minimum of 60% must be obtained from the marks allocated for the examination component of the course unit.

c) Must complete all evaluation components of the course unit.

The overall performance required for a pass at the end of the programme:

Average Marks: 71 (minimum); Grade: B; Grade Point Average: 04

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20. Excellence in Performance

A Merit Pass in the MBA degree is awarded to a candidate who receives at least GPA of 7, together with a grade of ‘A’ or ‘A+’ for the final project.

Several Gold Medals are presented to the Best Students who achieve overall highest average in the respective Master’s degree programmes.

21. Postgraduate Diploma Option

Students who are unable to complete the MBA Degree requirements may obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). PGDM may be awarded to those students who successfully complete all requirements except those for research and skill competencies. Likewise, PGDM will also be awarded to those who do not reach the required level of overall academic performance measured by the Grade Point Average (GPA).

22. Recognition of Courses taken elsewhere

Students may request for recognition of university courses taken by them elsewhere provided that

a) the content and standard of the course(s) taken are equivalent to those of a course listed in the student programme of study, and

b) the course was completed during the two years prior to the beginning of the first term.

The Institute’s recognition of courses taken elsewhere may take one of the following forms:

i. Transfer of credit may be granted for postgraduate courses taken in another recognized university provided that the course had not already been counted for another diploma or degree. The student must submit a copy of the course content, and arrange for a transcript from the university concerned. Transfer of credit is possible only against two courses at the Postgraduate Diploma level, and three courses at the Master’s level.

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ii Students may apply for exemption from attending lectures for a particular course if they have a relevant qualification acceptable to the Institute. Application forms for this purpose are available at the Institute. It should be noted that students obtaining approval will have to, however, sit the final examination, and also complete the assignments which may constitute the evaluation scheme of the course.

23. Payment of Fees

As a matter of government policy, free education is not available at the postgraduate level in the university system of Sri Lanka. It is the policy of the Institute to earn an income sufficient to meet the Institute’s expenditure. Programme fees are a principal source of income, and students pay the specified fees for programmes in full or according to a payment time-schedule specified by the Institute.

Students are expected to pay programme fees on schedule. Failure to pay programme fees on schedule will result in one or more of the following:

i. Levying a surcharge (current:1.5 percent per month) on unpaid fees,

ii. Bar the student’s access to the PIM Learning Portal (Prajna),

iii. Postponement of studentship by one or more academic terms, and

iii. Cancellation of the student registration.

Fees paid for any of the postgraduate degree programme of the Institute are non-refundable.

24. Effective Date of the Degree Certificate

The effective date of the degree certificate is the date on which the last examination result is certified by the Director.

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25. On-line Course Evaluation by Students

The Institute considers this activity as highly important as students’ feed-back is a must for the management to continuously improve the quality of the courses. This process will enable the management to know in advance the areas that need improvement. In fact, an important criterion of measurement is the feedback provided by the students on each of the courses followed by them. These evaluations project and highlight the degree of relevance as well as the emphasis that should be given to the major elements of each course, and also any negative trends that demand review and revision.

What a student needs to do is to follow the instructions given below:

1. Log-in to Prajna, the PIM Learning Portal using the password.

2. Click-on the relevant course-name (one at a time) applicable to the current semester.

3. Find the link ‘Course Evaluation’ at the top of the course page. (If there are several faculty members involved in the course, look for separate links for each of them).

4. Click-on the link and carefully fill the form and then transmit.

5. Repeat from step 2 until all the relevant courses are covered.

It should be noted that:

1. This process will ensure complete privacy, confidentiality and anonymity of the evaluators, even though you log-in with your user name and password.

2. No one, including the administrators of the system, can trace the ‘owner’ of the individual feedbacks.

3. Neither will the instructors have access to the feedbacks, other than the printed ‘summary’ that will be provided to them at the end of each evaluation process.

4. The system will prevent you from submitting your choices more than once. Therefore, please select your answers carefully before you click on the ‘Submit’ button.

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26. Residential Workshops

The residential workshops, conducted during a programme of study, constitute an essential part of the curriculum. Student-attendance, therefore, is compulsory at these workshops. The residential workshops are a vital component of the MBA programme, and students’ participation is compulsory. Over the years, PIM residential workshops have provided a great opportunity for learning and networking, and students have enjoyed this unique experience very much. PIM considers this event as a value adding and an experiential learning component under a different atmosphere.

27. Merit Standing

A Merit Pass in the Master’s degree is awarded to a candidate who receives a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 7 or above, together with a grade of ‘A’ or ‘A+’ for the Academic Report.

28. Results and Transcripts

The academic performance of the students can be reviewed on an on-going basis by the students visiting the PIM learning portal. These records of academic performance will also be periodically reviewed at meetings faculty mentors will have with their student protégés.

Instructors in charge of courses may release marks together with assignments, examination papers and test papers of a course for the purpose of providing feedback to students of the course. The students are required to return the marked examination scripts, soon after their review.

An official transcript of the final results of a Postgraduate Degree/Diploma can be obtained from the Senior Assistant Registrar on request. Additional copies of transcripts, indicating past results, are issued to the students or designated institutions, on payment of a fee of Rs. 500/-.

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29. Academic Grievance Procedure

This academic grievance procedure has been introduced to formalize the grievances (if any) of students seeking redress, especially with regard to such matters as reviewing of marks allocated for a particular assignment or examination. Any such instances should be brought to the notice of the Senior Assistant Registrar, who is responsible for the Institute’s academic administration, within fourteen days of the detection of such discrepancies. Grievances thus received will be addressed within fourteen (14) working days if they are considered as reasonable.

The intention of this academic grievance procedure is to provide an adequate, reliable, and impartial channel for resolution of the grievances of students especially with regard to the aforesaid academic matters.

30. Class Attendance

To record your class-attendance you need to swipe your finger through the electronic scanner machine, installed at the lecture room. Your finger impression will be registered in the Time Recording System (TRS) at the time of your first registration at the Institute. The following rules must be clearly noted by students when they record their class attendance in the TRS:

§ Valid arrival time for full attendance: between thirty minutes before the session starting time and fifteen minutes after the session starting time.

§Valid departure time for full attendance: between thirty minutes before the session-end time and thirty minutes after the session-end time.

§Valid arrival time for first half attendance: between thirty minutes before the session starts and fifteen minutes after the session starting time.

§Valid departure time for first half attendance: one hour and thirty minutes after the session starting time.

§Valid arrival time for second half attendance: Between 15 minutes after the session starting time and ninety minutes after the session starting time.

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§Valid departure time for second half attendance: Between thirty minutes before the session end time and thirty minutes after the session end time.

Eg: If the lecture starts at 1745h

§Valid arrival time for full attendance: between 1715h and 1800h.

§ Valid departure time for full attendance: between 2015h 2115h

§Valid arrival time for first half attendance: between 1715h and 1800h

§Valid departure time for first half attendance: after 1915h

§Valid arrival time for second half attendance: between 1800h and 1915h

§Valid departure time for second half attendance: between 2015h and 2115h

31. Late arrival for sessions:

(a) Week day evening sessions: Students attending week day evening MBA sessions are permitted to enter the classroom up to 18:00h. If they get late beyond 18:00h they will be permitted to enter the class room only after the mid-session tea-break time, i.e. 19:00h. or 19:15h.

(b) Week end sessions: Students attend week end sessions are not permitted to enter the classroom after 08:00 h. If they get late beyond 08:00 h, they will be permitted to enter the classroom only after the first session is over.

32. Collection of Core-course related Text Books:

As all MBA students are provided with the relevant text books for each core course they follow in the MBA curriculum, they are required to collect their text books from the Administration Division of the Institute, within two weeks after the commencement of each term.

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1. Research

The MBA/MPA degree programmes also require the fulfillment of one of the following projects, namely, a Management Research Project (MRP), Management Skills Project (MSP), Management Case Study Project (MCP), Entrepreneurship Skills Project (ESP) or an Industry Survey Project (ISP). Two other options available are the Management Research Thesis (MRT) or the Management Field Project (MFP). Student must orally defend their work in all the above research options.

Details of research requirements including the submission of final copies, and also Assignments, Reports and Papers published by the Institute are given in the booklet titled “PIM Presentation Guidelines”. All students are expected to adhere to the requirements outlined in this book.

Students doing research should follow the following steps:

a) Students upload research/project proposals to the relevant page of the ‘Prajna’ portal in the first term of Year ll.

b) Students receive approval of the Institute in writing. Students are informed of the Supervisor who will help them with their research.

c) Meetings with the Supervisor are held at the Institute, and they are scheduled by mutual agreement.

d) Students submit a copy of the final draft (spiral bound) and a soft copy (CD) to the Senior Assistant Registrar (SAR) as recommended by the Supervisor, and obtain a written acknowledgement.

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e) Students prepare for the oral presentation of the project according to the scheduled dates announced by the SAR.

f) Submission of one hard-bound copy and a soft copy (CD) on successful completion of the oral presentation/examination.

It is the responsibility of the students to submit the Academic Report free of grammatical and syntactical errors, and in full conformity with the presentation guidelines of the Institute. Final draft papers submitted for examination that do not conform to these requirements will either be sent for professional editing (the cost will be paid by the student) or be rejected.

The final Academic Reports submitted by students to the Institute for the purpose of the oral examination will be subjected to a similarity-check through the Turnitin Software available at the Institute. The level of duplication allowed for the report will be decided by the Oral Examination Panel based on the nature of the report.

2. Examination of Research

A) Number of Attempts

i) An MBA/MPA candidate can attempt the Research Project only up to a maximum of two occasions.

B) Procedure

i) Each candidate is required to submit a copy of his/her report (final draft) and a soft copy (CD) through the Supervisor/Research Coordinator to the Senior Assistant Registrar. A date for the oral examination is decided subsequently, and the candidate will be informed at least one week in advance.

ii) The duration of the oral examination is one hour. Marks are assigned for the academic report upon satisfactory completion of the oral examination. The following are alternative levels of grading:

(a) The paper is accepted as submitted (marks are assigned and announced immediately).

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(b) The paper is accepted with minor modifications (marks are assigned and announced immediately). The candidate is required to submit the final draft after incorporating the modifications to the Senior Assistant Registrar through the Supervisor.

(c) The paper is acceptable, but the oral presentation is poor. This situation is counted as one attempt completed. The candidate is then given a fresh date for the oral examination.

(d) The paper is not accepted as presented, and the Board of Examiners recommends major changes to the study. This is counted as one attempt completed. In this case, the candidate is required to re-submit the paper, and appear for another oral examination.

Before submitting the hard-bound copy to the Institute, the student must obtain approval for the final draft from the Chairman of the evaluation panel who will examine whether the final copy has incorporated the changes/improvements, if any, proposed by the examiners. Until the bound copies are accepted by the Institute, the marks assigned to the Academic Report will be held in abeyance.

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1. Examinations By-Laws

A) Regulations governing the conduct of examinations:

1. Candidates shall be present at their respective examination halls 15 minutes before the commencement of an examination, and shall enter the examination-hall at the request of the Supervisor.

2. Candidates shall occupy the seats carrying their respective Index Numbers or as allocated by the Supervisor.

3. Candidates shall take into the examination hall only pens, pencils, erasers, foot-rulers, boxes of colours, mathematical instruments, and such other essential articles or material authorized by the Supervisor.

4. No candidate shall be admitted to the examination hall after thirty (30) minutes have elapsed from the commencement of the examination, and no candidate shall be permitted to leave the examination hall until thirty (30) minutes before the conclusion of the examination.

5. Every candidate shall bring to the examination hall his/her admission card, and Student Identity Card or the National Identity Card.

6. A candidate shall produce any document, written item or stationery in his possession or custody, when requested to do so by the Supervisor.

7. No candidate shall ask any other candidate for anything, copy anything written by any other candidate or speak to or otherwise communicate with any other candidate.

8. A candidate shall not permit or assist any other candidate to copy.

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9. A candidate shall use only the answer books and sheets of paper issued each day for the purpose of the examination.

10. In the case of open book examinations, candidates are permitted to use material approved by the institute that would help them to answer the questions given. However, they are not permitted to use electronic media byway of computers, mobile devices or communicate with others in anyway.

11. Stationery (writing paper, drawing paper, ledger and graph paper, etc.) shall be issued to candidates as required. A candidate shall not tear, fold, crumple, scratch or in any other way damage any item of stationery issued to him.

12. A candidate shall use only the stationery issued to him/her by the Supervisor or Invigilator, and shall leave on his/her desk mathematical tables or any other returnable material issued to him/her before he/she leaves the examination hall. A candidate shall not take out of the examination hall any paper, answer book or any other material issued to him/her by the Supervisor or other authorized officers.

13. Before commencing to answer an examination paper, a candidate shall write his/her index number with the code and the name of the examination in the appropriate space in the answer book or sheet, and he/she shall write his/her index number with the code on every sheet of paper used by him/her. No candidate shall write his/her name or make any identification mark in any answer script. Any candidate who writes an index number and code other than his/her own on any answer script shall be guilty of an examination offence.

14. All papers used for rough work as well as writing paper shall be attached to the answer scripts, but all material, which does not form a part of the answer script, shall be cancelled by drawing lines across such material.

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15. A candidate shall conduct himself/herself in the examination hall in such a manner as not to cause any obstruction or harassment to the Supervisor, Invigilator and/or candidates, and shall observe silence both inside the examination hall and in its vicinity.

16. All mobile phones as well as all electronic devices should be left outside the examination hall.

17. A candidate shall not permit another person to impersonate him/her at any examination, and shall not appear on behalf of any other person at any examination.

18. The Supervisor or an Invigilator may obtain from a candidate a written statement in respect of any matter that occurs in the examination hall. A candidate shall not decline to make such statement or to place his/her signature on such statement.

19. A candidate shall remain seated in his/her seat till the answer scripts are collected, and shall himself/herself hand over his/her answer script only to the Supervisor or an Invigilator.

20. It shall be the responsibility of every candidate to satisfy himself/herself that he/she is not in possession of any document, drawing or instrument, which can be put to improper use in the examination.

21. A candidate shall not attempt to make improper use of a document, drawing or instrument.

22. It shall be the responsibility of every candidate to refrain from any act that may lead to any suspicion that he/she has committed any offence relating to the examination or is likely to commit such offence.

23. In case of open book examinations, students are allowed to bring only the books/papers specified by the Institute.

24. For Colombo and overseas programmes, one mode of exam will be followed for every course. For instance, if the exam is conducted as a closed book exam for the Colombo programme for a particular course, the exam for that particular course for overseas programmes would also be on “closed book” basis.

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B) Examination Offences

1. Being in possession of any note(s), and document(s), while in the examination-centre, other than those issued at the centre for purposes of the examination,

2. Copying,

3. Cheating,

4. Removing items of stationery and/or other material belonging to the Institute from the examination hall,

5. Improper conduct,

6. Engaging another person to impersonate a candidate at an examination,

7. Improper access to the contents of a question paper, or to the subject matter of a test, or obtaining aid and assistance to commit an examination-offence,

8. Aiding and abetting the commission of an examination-offence,

9. Exercising improper influence on officers engaged in the conduct of an examination, and

10. Any act considered as an examination-offence by the Board of Study of the Institute.

C) Procedure in respect of Inquiries into Examination Offences

The Supervisor shall report examination offences, if any, to the Senior Assistant Registrar, who shall, thereupon, report such offences together with all connected documents to the Director, and the Board of Study, for suitable action.

Any penalties recommended by the Board of Study and approved by the Board of Management, shall be imposed on the candidate found guilty of the offence.

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D) Penalties for Examination-Offences

1. Being in possession of unauthorized material such as documents/instruments:

Cancellation of candidature for any period not exceeding 2 (two) years, and imposition of other penalties as determined by the Board of Study.

2. Copying:

Cancellation of candidature, and debarring the candidate from sitting any examination conducted by the Institute for any period of time not exceeding three years, and the imposition of other penalties as recommended by the Board of Study.

3. Cheating:

Cancellation of candidature, and debarring the candidate from sitting any examination conducted by the Institute for a period of time, within a minimum and maximum period of time determined by the Board of Study.

4. Removal of items of stationery and other material belonging to the Institute, out of the examination hall:

Cancellation of candidature and debarring the candidate from sitting any examination conducted by the Institute for a period of time determined by the Board of Study.

5. Improper conduct:

Cancellation of candidature and debarring the candidate from sitting any examination conducted by the Institute for a period not exceeding five years, and the imposition of other penalties, at the discretion of the Board of Study.

6. Engaging another person to impersonate a candidate at an examination:

Cancellation of candidature and debarring the candidate from sitting any examination conducted by the Institute for a period not exceeding

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five years, and the imposition of other penalties, at the discretion of the Board of Study.

7. Improper access to the contents of a question paper or to the subject matter of test:

Cancellation of candidature and the imposition of any other penalty at the discretion of the Board of Study.

8. Aiding and abetting the commission of an examination offence or obtaining aid and assistance to commit an examination offence:

Cancellation of candidature and the imposition of any other penalty at the discretion of the Board of Study.

9. Exercising improper influence on examiners or officers engaged in the conduct of an examination:

Any penalty imposed at the discretion of the Board of Study.

10. Committing an examination-offence for the second time:

Cancellation of candidature.

E) Mandatory Penalties

In addition to the aforesaid penalties, the following mandatory penalties shall be imposed:

a) Withholding the award of a pass with a merit.

b) Cancellation or suspension of scholarship or bursary.

c) Cancellation of residential facilities.

d) Denial of invitation to attend the convocation.

e) Delaying the publication of degree result and award of degree.

Penalties may be imposed at the discretion of the Board of Management for examination - offences not set out above, but deemed to be examination - offences by the Board of Study.

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F) Plagiarism

Plagiarism is an academic offence, and therefore, students shall refrain from plagiarizing. Plagiarizing means to appropriate passages or ideas or models or data from another person, group of persons, or source, and use them as the student’s own, without due acknowledgement of the source being given at the correct place.

The PIM is a part of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. As an academic institution we strictly observe the law relating to intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism, which is governed by the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003, and by English Common Law. Accordingly, all student of the Institute have to abide by this law. Please refer to paragraph 16 of Chapter 3 of this handbook for more details.

Students shall not commit this offence in their assignments, term papers, projects, research papers, policy reports, or theses, undertaken individually or collectively. The fact that an assignment is expected to be discussed in groups does not permit a student to copy or model his/her answer wholly or partly, on an answer compiled by another student or group of students. The Board of Study may impose one or more of the following penalties for plagiarism:

a) Cancellation of candidature for any period not exceeding two years,

b) Cancellation of registration in the course unit for which the work in question is submitted,

c) Rejection of the work (thesis, research paper, policy report, field project, or any other document) in question, and

d) Any other penalty deemed appropriate by the Board of Study.

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The following penalties will be imposed if the similarity index is beyond 30%.

Assessment Type

Up to 30% 31%-35% 36%-40% More than 40%

Individual Written Assignments/Take Home examinations

Accepted without any issue

5% penalty of the total assignment marks. For instance, deduction of 1 mark for 20% assignment

10% penalty of the total assignment marks. For instance, deduction of 2 marks for 20% assignment

Assignment will be rejected. This means student fails the assignment. Student has to re-submit the assignment.

Group Written Assignments

Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above. Here all those who are in the group, fail the assignment.

Final Projects/ Research/ Thesis

Will not be accepted if it is more than 30%.

As stated above, all re-submissions, repeat examinations, will be capped at 60 marks. Students cannot upload the draft assignment to the portal to ascertain the similarity index as the system accepts the first upload as the final upload. Hence, students need (i) to ensure not to plagiarize your assignment, and (ii) to ethically and professionally acknowledge the sources, (iii) to converting the contents into your own language without distorting the meaning and its context.

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The Library and Information Services Division of the Institute is housed on the first floor. The library is a part of the library system of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and it specializes in manifold aspects of management.

1. Hours of Opening

Unless announced otherwise, operating hours of the library are as follows:

Week days : 08:30h – 20:00h

Saturday, Sunday and public holidays : 08:30h – 18:00h

2. Readers

The main readership of the library comprises academics, students and professionals. Students who enroll for the postgraduate courses at the Institute are entitled to membership of the library.

3. Library Resources

The collections of the library provide basic readings for course work and research at the Institute, in a number of areas of specialization. The readers may find a good collection of additional readings and references as well, at the PIM library.

The main part of the collection consists of books containing more than 20,000 volumes in both reference and lending sections. New arrivals/ acquisitions for the book collection are displayed for two weeks, before processing them for lending/reference purposes.

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There are over 20 periodical titles available at present. Current periodicals are kept on display until the subsequent issues are received by the library. Past issues are kept in pamphlet boxes, arranged according to the titles of the journals.

The following special collections are available only for reference purposes:

§ Sri Lanka Collection

§ Theses, research papers, policy reports and case studies

§ Pamphlet collection

§ Socio-economic data collection

§ Collection of news cuttings

§ Annual Reports of Companies

§ Collection of audios/videos

§ The PIM collection

§ Government publications

§ Collection of fiction

§Access to data bases

4. Organization

All the resources in the library are classified according to the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme, and shelved in the same order. Shelf arrangements of the library are designed in such a way as to avoid air congestion, a characteristic of traditional straight-line shelf arrangements, and allow the reader facility of movement when searching for a book.

5. Services

1. Borrowing - Books will be issued for a period of two (02) weeks.

2. Photocopying services - Photocopying, binding, and laminating facilities are available at a nominal fee, from 16:30h to 20:00h on week days, and from 08:30h to 18:00h on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

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3. On-line data bases - main catalogues, journal articles, World Bank publications and literature surveys and access to the Emerald research databases.

4. Internet – Unlimited internet use facilities are available for current students.

5. E-databases-The Ebscohost and Emerald research databases provide online access to full text articles.

6. Rules

1. Personal effects/files, bags, handbags, umbrellas, mobile phones and parcels, etc. should not be taken into the library. Such items may be left on the shelf kept outside the library.

2. Books must be returned on time.

3. Ensure that books are returned in the same condition. Books should not be marked or defaced in any manner. A penalty will be imposed for damaged or defaced books.

4. When books are returned, make sure that the receiving date is stamped on the book.

5. The borrowing period for all books from the lending section is 14 (fourteen) days. The fine for delay is Rs. 100/- per day for the first seven (07) days of delay, and Rs. 200/- for each day thereafter.

6. The due date will be stamped by the library and countersigned by the security officer or an appropriate officer.

7. For renewal, each book should be physically produced to the counter.

8. Books and other reading materials once removed from the shelf by a reader must be kept on a table. Users must not return them to the shelf (as it is the task of the library staff).

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9. Students entering or leaving the library shall allow books and other possessions to be checked by the library staff at the check point. Personal valuables should be handed over to the Security Officer.

10. Members of the library may reserve reading materials. The Librarian will inform the members when they are available for lending.

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The PIM Information Technology Centre provides for learning IT applications in management, conducting practical sessions, internet surfing, controlling of the LAN system at the Institute, and in-house IT related requirements. The centre is equipped with 72 state-of-the-art multimedia computers loaded with the latest leading software applications, local area network with high-speed internet, high speed wireless network (Wi-Fi), high-end multimedia projector, and DTS 6.1 channel sound system.

Seven wireless access points are placed in the Study Areas, Auditorium, IT Centre, Board Room, Library, and Cafeteria to provide wireless connectivity for PIM students. The PIM Wi-Fi facility is free of charge for students.

Students using the facilities of the IT Centre should adhere to the following:

a) Leave articles and objects that are not relevant to computer work at the entrance to the IT Centre,

b) Observe silence at the IT Centre,

c) Report problems/breakdown of machines and other equipment to the officer-in-charge of the IT Centre at the time,

d) Do not change the position of any computer equipment,

e) Do not change the settings of air-conditioners, etc.,

f) Do not bring unauthorized persons or items to the IT Centre,

g) Do not bring or consume food and beverages inside the IT Centre.

The IT Centre is open from 08:30h to 20:00h daily.

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The PIM’s Publications Division plays a vital and multifunctional role by publishing of all the documents initiated by the Institute, including the research-based Sri Lankan Journal of Management (SLJM), and the Professional Manager (PM).

The division specializes in structuring, designing, editing as well as preparing layouts and desktop publishing of all the publication requirements of the Institute. It has thus become a full-fledged publishing unit. The ultimate objective of these endeavours is to project the desired professional image of the Institute. Another function of the publications arm is assisting the Institute in the publication of text books and other reading material initiated by the Faculty for the MBA, MPA and Ph.D. courses.

In fact, the publications unit is responsible for coordinating the production of the corporate publications of the Institute. The Sri Lankan Journal of Management and the Professional Manager are the Institute’s foremost publications, that are being handled by this unit. The publications unit has been able to give a unique identity to the Sri Lankan Journal of Management as the Institute’s intention is to place it on a par with similar international research journals.

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The Executive Development Programmes (EDP) Divisions performs a specialist function by advising companies seeking the Institute’s assistance in the training and development of their personnel, especially in executive layers comprising of middle and senior management. In addition to the general management courses the unit caters to special purpose programmes of comparatively shorter duration aimed at specific requirements.

Thus the unit has now become a catalyst in stimulating growth and management competence both in private and public sector organizations. The programmes conducted, irrespective of their duration and specialty, are well structured and designed to meet the requirements of the client organizations. In most instances the division plays an advisory role in selecting and determining the modules, their content and duration, as executive development activities of many a company are so varied and complex to identify.

In fact, the unit is responsible for molding of human capital in the public and private sectors in order to execute their respective strategies and action plans.

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PIM Research Centre was set up in May 1998. In addition to administering the Institute’s doctoral programme, it organizes, directs and promotes interdisciplinary studies and research in the various issue areas of the discipline of management, with a focus on cross-cultural management and communication.

The primary objective of the Centre’s work is to add significantly to the understanding of the best management practices in the country and the rest of Asia. The approach is interdisciplinary, and an attempt is made to integrate, or benefit from, the perspectives of culture, religion, language, history, sociology, political science, economics and philosophy for the purpose of understanding key issues in management in South and South-East Asia.

International cooperation in these efforts is expected to result in a wide range of benefits in other areas of national importance such as international cooperation in education, international business and trade and intercultural cooperation. The current programme of research emphasizes the following areas of concern:

a) General management: e.g., best management practices in Sri Lanka and the Asian region.

b) Comparison of cultural value themes of the predominant Asian societies: e.g., contributions to cross-cultural studies such as Hofstede’s framework of value dimensions.

c) Examination of the cultural context of management practices in Sri Lanka with an emphasis on work values and human motivation,

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innovation, adaptation and dealing with risk and uncertainty, interpersonal behaviour such as coping, asserting and supporting, decision making and use of information, communication and business negotiation, productivity and quality issues.

d) Industry-specific studies: e.g., strategic directions of investments in a selected industry category.

e) Policy-directed studies: e.g., study of specific public policies in selected areas of national interest such as energy, transportation, fiscal policy and administration.

Activities

PIM’s research studies fall into three categories:

a) Faculty research,

b) Research projects funded by the Institute, and

c) Student research resulting from their theses, research papers, policy reports and field projects. They are published through Research Papers, Case Studies, Research Abstracts and the Institute’s by-annual Sri Lankan Journal of Management, conferences and workshops, held periodically, provide an opportunity to discuss research findings. All students’ research reports are available for reference in the PIM Library. Lists of research titles are available on line.

PIM’s Collaboration with UNSW, Australia

The Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the New South Wales University (UNSW) of Canberra, Australia, opening many gateways for students of the institute.

The agreement with the UNSW would assist the PIM to enhance its research activities among many other opportunities. The UNSW contributes to develop the academic and research skills of students and staff through doctoral programmes, faculty exchanges and joint research. The UNSW will consider awarding 4-5 scholarships to Sri Lankan students who meet UNSW criteria. The

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UNSW would also collaborate with the PIM in entrepreneurship, leadership, human resource management and public policy sector.

PIM students would have the opportunity to team up with a colleague at the UNSW when conducting research. They will also be able pursue doctorates at the UNSW. The UNSW has also agreed to consider publishing research articles in the Sri Lankan Journal of Management (SLJM), the flagship research journal of the PIM, an acceptable research publication.

This is another unique value addition and an opportunity PIM provides to its students. Hence, PIM fervently requests the students to grab this unique opportunity.

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An incubator is an apparatus set up to maintain a constant temperature for chicks or premature infants. Its meaning has now been broadened to refer to any set up or arrangement made for the hatching or initiation of businesses or enterprises, wherein a helping hand is extended for the initiators until their ventures are strong enough to take off on their own. This is similar to readying nestlings for their maiden flight. Incubators have now conquered the business world.

The PIM Genesis is the Business incubator at the PIM. It nurtures and supports new business initiatives. Its main objective is:

To convert good business ideas into sustainable business ventures. The incubator facilitates “would-be entrepreneurs” by providing,,

§ Physical work space for conducting meetings

§ Links to potential funding sources

§ Access to services such as accountants, marketers and lawyers

§ Access to networks and partnerships with business professionals

§ Coaching and mentoring

§ Connectivity with relevant private and government agencies

§ Competitive strategy formulation.

Currently, it supports and mentors PIM students who are keen in starting their own business ventures. Those who are interested in launching entrepreneurial ventures are encouraged and supported to develop and launch lean start-ups. This gives the individual an opportunity to experience starting and running a business venture while engaging in their full time work.

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In addition to the hardware facilities, students will have access to Prajna, the PIM Learning Portal (PIMLP) in order to access learning material, communicate with faculty and batch-mates, participate in discussion-forums, and peruse academic progress records. The web address of the site is https://prajna.pim.sjp.ac.lk. The user name and the password for each student to log-into the portal are given at the time of registration.

In order to use the PIMLP effectively, students are requested to follow the following instructions carefully:

1. After log into the site you will see the list of courses you have enrolled for the relevant semester under “My Courses”.

2. Click-on any of the course titles; you will see the course page for that particular course, and one or more of the following items (blocks) will appear on the page:

§ Weekly outlines §Recent Activity §Search Forums

§ Course up-dates §Upcoming events §Latest news

§ Administration §Messages §People

§ Activities

3. Using ‘Weekly Outline’ you can open/download the study material available for the period concerned. Students are advised to use download software such as Download Accelerator Plus (www.speedbit.com) for downloading larger files.

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4. To send group mails, click-on “Compose New Email” under the QUICKMAIL block.

5. Edit your profile by clicking-on your name which is displayed on the top right corner, using the Edit Profile tab. You can make any change that you wish in your profile, including your e-mail address. It is the student’s responsibility to regularly update his/her profile as the Institute uses this information to communicate with the student on day-to-day matters.

6. You will also see the following links on the top left hand corner of the site, and their uses are given below:

§ Library – to search books and publications available in the PIM library.

§ Courses completed – to see the details of courses you have completed and courses to be completed.

§ Performance Report – to see the marks you have earned for the courses completed.

§ Attendance – to see the up-to-date attendance rate for each course you have followed, and eligibility to sit the term end examinations.

§ Check Attendance – To see your actual finger swipes for any given date.

§ Payments – The status of your course fee installment payments.

7. “Prajna” Noticeboard: Session Timetables, Examination Timetables, Repeat Examination Timetables, Student Groupings and Subgroupings, Relevant Application Forms, PIM Programme Handbook, PIM Student Handbook, PIM Presentation Guidelines, Periodic Notices and Events and all other information relevant to the Institute’s students will be updated on the “Prajna” Noticeboard as and when changes/revisions/modification occur. It is, therefore, incumbent on the students to view the “Prajna” Noticeboard regularly for latest updates.

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This section is intended to help you understand what is expected of you as a student of PIM.

1 . Awareness of PIM’s Directions

Be aware of Vision, Mission, Values, and Strategic priorities of the PIM. Particular emphasis should be paid to practicing the three key values of the PIM, viz. Passion, Integrity and Mindfulness.

Our expectation is that you will conduct yourself in an adult and considerate manner in all your dealings with fellow members of the PIM community - fellow students, faculty and staff.

2. Rules and Regulations

When you enter the Institute, you agree to comply with its rules and regulations. The key aspects are detailed in the relevant section of this Handbook, and we expect you to acquaint yourself with them. We also expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent, and report cases where other people break the rules - particularly in ways that cause actual or potential harm or distress to others and to the Institute’s property, for instance, by breaching safety rules or due to carelessness, negligence, or harassment of any kind.

3. Attendance and Punctuality

a) If you are a full-time student you are expected to be ‘in attendance’ at the Institute for the full duration of the published term dates of your programme of study, that is, you should regularly attend the Institute,

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by committing your time primarily to your studies, and be in a position to comply with academic and administrative expectations.

b) It is equally important to be punctual in attending classes, and other activities of the Institute. Punctuality will help you follow classes and other activities in full, and avoid causing any interruption to others by coming late. In short, be present at sessions before the scheduled time, and leave the sessions after completion of activity, according to the scheduled time.

c) Students are expected to wear a “decent and acceptable” dress when visiting the PIM for classes, library or group discussions. However, students should not wear shorts, three quarter trousers, transparent tops/blouses, mini or very short skirts, skinnies that are not appropriate to the PIM when attending sessions.

d) Students should not enter the session-rooms or the library or attend any functions of the Institute under the influence of intoxicants.

e) PIM expects honesty and integrity which is an embedded value at PIM, from the students.

4. Student Discipline

In order to secure and maintain professional and ethical standards pertaining to discipline, students are expected to exercise restraint in their conduct both inside and outside the Institute. It is the responsibility of each student to obtain a copy of the PIM Student Handbook, and familiarize himself/herself with the regulations, procedures and guidelines given therein, and adhere to them in pursuing the studies and research prescribed by the Institute.

In the case of a breach of regulations, the Institute may take disciplinary action including suspension of a student from his/her programme of study for a specified period or cancellation of registration in the programme.

– 52 –

5. Study

The exact amount of time that different individuals spend on their studies will obviously vary. Your private study time will also be related to preparing for assessments and interactive sessions - your faculty and fellow students will expect you to turn up for classes on time, having prepared appropriately, and being able to contribute constructively to the sessions.

6. Assessment and Progress

The details of the assessment of your studies will be set out for you, and you are responsible for accurately noting these requirements in terms of modes of assessment and deadlines, and to plan your work accordingly.

7. Administrative and Financial Matters

Students need to follow administrative procedures in an organized way, and to meet the various deadlines. The means of communicating these requirements will vary, but students are expected to check the Institute’s main notice boards, e-mails, and the PIMLP notice board. Some of the more important things you need to respond to are:

I) The systems of the academic department which relate to course enrolments and assessment. In choosing courses, you need to ensure that they meet the requirements of the published syllabus of your study programme.

II) Central administrative procedures relating to your ‘registration status’ with the Institute. The annual registration process involves academic and financial checks that make you eligible to progress to the next term/academic year. Being a fully registered student means that you are in a good academic and financial standing with the Institute. Paying the dues that you owe to the Institute on time will ensure your financial standing with the Institute.

– 53 –

8. Supplying the Institute with Information

The Institute needs to have information about you. The Administration Office will inform you in detail the purposes for which this information is collected, and how it is processed. It is especially important that you keep the Administration Office informed of your current office and home address, and also provide a contact point in the event of any emergency/ exigency. Students are expected to up-date their profile regularly in the student portal for these purposes. The Institute needs to be able to contact you at any time deemed relevant.

– 54 –

1. Requirements

The requirements of a postgraduate degree/diploma programme are deemed to have been fulfilled by a student when:

a) The course unit requirements are completed by attaining the required average grade.

b) A copy of the final version of the research work/field work and a softcopy of the same are submitted to the Director, and accepted by the Institute.

c) All library books are returned and fees/due payments are settled in full.

Students, after fulfillment of these requirements, must apply, in forms obtainable from the Institute, for the award of the postgraduate degree/diploma. The name that will be written on the certificate will be the name so spelled in the formal application submitted at the time of enrolment. Those who have changed their names subsequently must inform the PIM office accordingly, and attend to legal certification requirements.

2. Conferment of Degrees/Diplomas

a) A Degree/Diploma may be conferred on persons who are certified by the Senate to have fulfilled all the conditions required for admission to the relevant Degree/Diploma.

– 55 –

b) No Degree/Diploma of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura will be conferred on any person until he/she has paid the prescribed fees, and has signed the declaration appearing in the special form provided for the purpose or in his application for a degree, to be awarded at convocation or in absentia.

c) The abbreviations used to denote the degrees and diplomas of the Institution are as follows:

Ph.D. (PIM-SJP)

MBA (PIM-SJP)

MBA (Taxation) (PIM-SJP)

MBA (Customs & Int. Trade) (PIM-SJP)

EMBA (PIM-SJP)

MPA (PIM-SJP)

MPA (Edu. Mgt.) (PIM-SJP)

PDM (PIM-SJP)

PDPA (PIM-SJP)

Graduates of the Institute must use the abbreviations as given above when they cite their qualification(s).

– 56 –

The PIM graduates are expected to join the PIM Alumni Association. This Association provides opportunities for all the PIM graduates to meet, learn, socialize, and network. PIMA is active in providing its members with opportunities for continuing education, and it is a forum for PIM graduates to develop their professional life. Some of the important activities that have been initiated to fulfill its objectives are:

§ Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes for its members and business leaders.

§ A series of Public Interest Programmes (PIP) to address issues of interest, that are topical and significant to management.

§ Presentation of ‘Platinum Achiever’s Awards’ in order to recognize the outstanding achievers from among the members of PIMA.

Intent

To transform the PIM Alumni into a community of thought-leaders that will shape the nation’s socio-economic fabric.

– 57 –

wdh;k .S mne÷u

The Theme Song of the Postgraduate Institute of ManagementUniversity of Sri Jayewardenepura

chjoaok mqr úÿoh iriú

moau ;gdfla úlis; mshqu Tn hs

mskanr wm úoHd N+ñ

ls;= f.di oi foi úod

fjd/f|ajd ch oo nkaod

mskanr wm úoHd N+ñ

oshqKqj i,ik kjH ;dlaIK

úÿrejka lsrK fkdñka fmrd f.k

udkj Y%u .=K ksis f,i fhdojk

l<ukdlrK úÿkeK jvjk

iriú jrñkaa keK .=K rkaok

ch uÕ mdok kshuq ksfla;k

isrs,l isrsir u,am, .kaajk

úÿìu kkaok lrfkuq jkaok

chjoaok mqr úÿoh iriú

moau ;gdfla úlis; mshqu Tn hs

mskanr wm úoHd N+ñ

ls;= f.di oi foi ùod

fjd/f|ajd ch oo nkaod

mskanr wm úoHd N+ñ

.S mo rpkh( wdpd¾h MÉ Ma mS wfíj¾Ok

.S ;kq ks¾udKh( úYdro wdpd¾h ví ã wurfoaj

– 58 –

PIM Anthem

The Theme Song of the Postgraduate Institute of ManagementUniversity of Sri Jayewardenepura

(English translation)

Like unto a lotus fully blossomed,In the pond: The Vidyodaya,University of Jayewardenepura,Our meritorious seat of learning,

May your fame spread,In all ten directions,With the banner of victory fluttering,

For providing us insight into new technology,Imbibing the essence thereof,Distilling the rays of science,Enabling human endeavour appropriately,Enhancing skills in management, And by the grace of Saraswathi, Fostering sublime qualities and virtues,

We adore you,Our delightful centre of wisdom,

Like unto a lotus fully blossomed,In the pond : The vidyodaya,University of Jayewardenepura,Our meritorious seat of learning,

May your fame spread,In all ten directions,With the banner of victory fluttering,

English version by Dr. H A P Abeywardana,

The composer of the original in Sinhala

– 59 –

PIM Anthem

The Theme Song of the Postgraduate Institute of ManagementUniversity of Sri Jayewardenepura

(Tamil translation)

Iath;jdGu gy;fiyf; fofk;

gj;k jlhfj;jpy; ,yq;fpLk; fkyk; eP

ek;Kaph; fy;tpf; $lk; eP

cd; Gfo jpf;nfl;Lk; gut

cd; nfhb caug; gwe;jpLNk

ek;Kaph; fy;tpf; $lk; eP

tsk;ngw topnra; njhopy;El;g Mw;wy;

mwpnthsp je;jpLk; Gjpa tpQ;Qhdk;

khdpl gz;Gfs; ,dpNj fw;wpl

Kfhikj; jpwd;fis tpUj;jp nra;jpl

ru];tjp mUshy; mwptpid <e;J

n[atop fhl;bLk; gy;fiyf; $lk;

Njrj;jpd; ngUikia gug;gpLk; cid ehk;

rpukJ jho;j;jp tzq;fpLNthNk

[ath;jdGu gy;fiyf; fofk;

gj;k jlhfj;jpy; ,yq;fpLk; fkyk; eP

ek;Kaph; fy;tpf; $lk; eP

cd;Gfo; jpf;nfl;Lk; gut

cd; nfhb caug; gwe;jpLNk

ek;Kaph; fy;tpf; $lk; eP

– 60 –

PIM Anthem

The Theme Song of the Postgraduate Institute of ManagementUniversity of Sri Jayewardenepura

(The text in the Sinhala language written in English script)

Jayawaddana pura Vidudaya sarasaviPadma thatake vikasitha piyuma obayi

Pinbara apa vidya bhumiKithu gosa dasa desa veedaVorandewa jaya dada bandaPinbara apa vidya bhumi

Diyunuwa salasana navya thakshanaViduruwan kirana nomin pera genaManava shrama guna nisi lesa yodawanaKalamanakarana vidu nena vadawanaSarasavi varamin nena guna randanaJaya manga padana niyamu nikethanaSiri Laka sirisara malpala ganwanaVidu bima nandana karanemu vandana

Jayawaddana pura Vidudaya sarasaviPadma thatake vikasitha piyuma obayi

Pinbara apa vidya bhumiKithu gosa dasa desa veedaVorandewa jaya dada bandaPinbara apa vidya bhumi

Lyrics by Dr. H A P Abeywardana

Music composition by Visharada Dr. W D Amaradewa

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